Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Factors Affecting Reaction Rate

For any given chemical reaction, one can draw an energy diagram. Energy diagrams depict the energy levels of the different steps in a reaction, while also indicating the net change in energy and giving clues to relative reaction rate.

Below, a reaction diagram is shown for a reaction that a scientist is studying in a lab. A student began the reaction the evening before, but the scientist is unsure as to the type of the reaction. He cannot find the student’s notes, except for the reaction diagram below.

What factors, not depicted in the reaction diagram, are most likely to influence reaction rate?

Possible Answers:

Product stability

Reactant stability

Free energy change

Intermediate stability

Reactant concentrations

Correct answer:

Reactant concentrations

Explanation:

Reactant concentration, along with activation energy and temperature, is a major determinant in reaction rate, as demonstrated in Le Chatlier's principle.

Example Question #1 : Factors Affecting Reaction Rate

Given the above equation for a reaction, which statement must ALWAYS be true?

Possible Answers:

If , the reaction is spontaneous

If , the reaction is spontaneous

If , the reaction is spontaneous

If , the reaction is spontaneous

Correct answer:

If , the reaction is spontaneous

Explanation:

This question can be approached two different ways. One way is by looking at the equation, and the other is understanding what the variables in the equation represent.

1) The first method is understanding the equation. Because we must understand basic log and natural log functions, we know that the natural log of a fraction is a negative number. Additionally, because we know that a reaction is spontaneous when is negative, we can conclude that a reaction will be spontaneous when Q is less than Keq. R is a positive constant, and T cannot be negative.

2) A second approach to this question is understanding the variables in the equation. Keq is the ratio of product to reactant at equilibrium. Q is the reaction quotient, and represents the ratio of product to reactant at a given point in time. If Q is less than Keq, the reaction is still too far to the left, and is still reacting to reach equilibrium. Because the reaction is trying to reach equilibrium, it will continue to spontaneously react until it reaches that point.

Consider the energy diagram of a three-step chemical process shown below. Which step would have the fastest rate?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The reaction with the fastest rate will have the lowest activation energy; the energy difference between the starting compound and the top of the energy barrier that must be overcome to proceed to the product should be the smallest. Of the given choices, the reaction proceeding from C to D has the lowest energy barrier, and hence will have the lowest activation energy and fastest reaction rate.

In contrast, the energy required to move from point A to point B has the largest energy barrier, and can be assumed to be the rate-limiting step.

Example Question #1 : Kinetics And Kinematics

A scientist is studying a reaction, and places the reactants in a beaker at room temperature. The reaction progresses, and she analyzes the products via NMR. Based on the NMR readout, she determines the reaction proceeds as follows:

In an attempt to better understand the reaction process, she varies the concentrations of the reactants and studies how the rate of the reaction changes. The table below shows the reaction concentrations as she makes modifications in three experimental trials.

Reaction rates depend on reaction concentrations, as well as the reaction constant . The Arrhenius equation is used to calculate this constant. Which of the following factors is used in the Arrhenius equation?

I. Temperature

II. Activation energy

III. Reactant concentrations

Possible Answers:

I, II, and III

II and III

I only

III only

I and II

Correct answer:

I and II

Explanation:

If you thought all of these factors are used in the Arrhenius equation, consider that the rate constant is independent of the reactant concentrations. The concentration effect is considered in the rate law by multiplying the concentrations by the constant, but the concentrations themselves are independent of the actual Arrhenius calculation.

The calculation shows that . In this equation, is the activation energy and is the temperature.

Example Question #1112 : Mcat Physical Sciences

A scientist is studying a reaction, and places the reactants in a beaker at room temperature. The reaction progresses, and she analyzes the products via NMR. Based on the NMR readout, she determines the reaction proceeds as follows:

In an attempt to better understand the reaction process, she varies the concentrations of the reactants and studies how the rate of the reaction changes. The table below shows the reaction concentrations as she makes modifications in three experimental trials.

The scientist in the passage calculates that, under experimental conditions, the gievn reaction releases before it comes to equilibrium.

Under the exact same conditions, another unknown reaction is studied. This second reaction releases before it comes to equilibrium.

Which of the following must be true?

Possible Answers:

The second reaction will progress faster at the experimental conditions, but may be slower at other conditions

The first reaction will always progress faster

The first reaction will progress faster at the experimental conditions, but may be slower at other conditions

The second reaction will always progress faster

We cannot predict the relative rates of these two reactions with the information given

Correct answer:

We cannot predict the relative rates of these two reactions with the information given

Explanation:

The amount of energy released or absorbed by a reaction is independent of its rate. Rate is principally determined by the activation energy, while the inherent bond energies of reactants and products dictate thermodynamic changes. One cannot be used to predict the other.

A catalyst is used to increase the rate of a reaction. By definition, it does so without being consumed during the reaction. Thus the choices that talk about decreasing the rate of reaction are wrong. Catalysts decrease the activation energy of a reaction.

All MCAT Physical Resources

Report an issue with this question

If you've found an issue with this question, please let us know. With the help of the community we can continue to
improve our educational resources.

Do not fill in this field

* Your Name:

* Your Email:

* Issue Description:

DMCA Complaint

If you believe that content available by means of the Website (as defined in our Terms of Service) infringes one
or more of your copyrights, please notify us by providing a written notice (“Infringement Notice”) containing
the
information described below to the designated agent listed below. If Varsity Tutors takes action in response to
an
Infringement Notice, it will make a good faith attempt to contact the party that made such content available by
means of the most recent email address, if any, provided by such party to Varsity Tutors.

Your Infringement Notice may be forwarded to the party that made the content available or to third parties such
as
ChillingEffects.org.

Please be advised that you will be liable for damages (including costs and attorneys’ fees) if you materially
misrepresent that a product or activity is infringing your copyrights. Thus, if you are not sure content located
on or linked-to by the Website infringes your copyright, you should consider first contacting an attorney.

Please follow these steps to file a notice:

You must include the following:

A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on their behalf;
An identification of the copyright claimed to have been infringed;
A description of the nature and exact location of the content that you claim to infringe your copyright, in \
sufficient detail to permit Varsity Tutors to find and positively identify that content; for example we require
a
link to the specific question (not just the name of the question) that contains the content and a description of
which specific portion of the question – an image, a link, the text, etc – your complaint refers to;
Your name, address, telephone number and email address; and
A statement by you: (a) that you believe in good faith that the use of the content that you claim to infringe
your copyright is not authorized by law, or by the copyright owner or such owner’s agent; (b) that all of the
information contained in your Infringement Notice is accurate, and (c) under penalty of perjury, that you are
either the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on their behalf.